No Bake Vegan Pistachio Baklava Energy Balls
Today we are making No Bake Vegan Pistachio Baklava Energy Balls! If this sweet pastry were breakfast, it would be the sole reason I’d slink out of bed in the mornings: to eat. more. BAKLAVA.
The best flavor (in my opinion) is the combination of melted butter, honey-based syrup, and pistachio nuts for that crunchy texture oozing out of the golden brown layers of phyllo dough, this decadent dessert was something I reserved as number one on my favorite desserts list. Anytime I’d see it at the grocery store, I was the first one in line to buy it and finish the whole box. The best part of it was the sticky sweet syrup that the phyllo dough had absorbed, which seeped out of every corner!
Different Types of Baklava
Baklava doesn’t have one specific country for its origins, as it is said to have come from Turkey, Greece and the Middle East. Currently, it is made slightly differently around the world! For example, Persian baklava versus Turkish baklava. The Persian style uses rose water, cardamom, and a different mixture of ground nuts. Whereas the Turkish one uses phyllo dough, pistachios, butter, simple syrup and lemon juice. These are just some differences, but there are many more varieties!
Side note: I had a box of phyllo pastry in my freezer a couple years ago, and I made a huge batch of it, the real stuff. It tasted like, looked like, and reminded me of traditional baklava. Homemade baklava is a labor of love, and the unique flavor combinations are plenty! Lemon zest, orange zest, vanilla extract, rose water, a different nut mixture like almonds instead of pistachio – there are so many types of baklava, you can put your own spin on it!
A Healthier Alternative
Now, I did realize how eating a box of those so often would affect my body, so like I do with all my favorites, I made a healthy snack out of this popular dessert – baklava bites!
These energy bites feature the ingredients of Turkish baklava, with pistachios, agave nectar to replace the simple syrup, a mix of walnuts and pistachios, then dates to hold it all together (and you know we love using dates in raw recipes)!
Why You’ll Love These No Bake Vegan Pistachio Baklava Energy Balls
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: Craving something sweet? These energy balls have got you covered without any artificial additives! They’re the perfect bite to get that “I just had something sweet” feeling, but without the lethargy and effects of the added sugar.
Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they’re also a powerhouse of nutrients. Pistachios are loaded with healthy fats, fiber, and protein, while dates provide natural sweetness and a burst of energy.
Nostalgia Factor: If you’ve ever enjoyed the classic flavors of baklava, you’ll appreciate the nostalgia these energy balls give. They capture the essence of baklava in a convenient, bite-sized form!
Substitutions
Walnuts: Raw walnuts have the perfect buttery taste for this recipe, but you can try using raw, unroasted macadamia nuts, cashews or blanched almonds.
Medjool Dates: Use pitted Deglet Noor dates if Medjool aren’t available. Medjool dates are large, soft and caramel-like, which are perfect for blending in no bake recipes! If your dates are a bit dry, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before using.
Agave Nectar: This is mimicking the simple syrup that is used in baklava recipes. You can try date syrup instead of agave nectar. Another liquid sweetener, such as maple syrup, may have a different aftertaste and may not taste as much like a sugar syrup drizzled on top.
Pistachios: Find roasted pistachios to really bring out that pistachio flavor, as opposed to raw ones. Do not substitute with any other nut! Make sure to de-shell them if they have the shell on, which will add more prep time into the recipe.
No Bake Vegan Pistachio Baklava Energy Balls Recipe Notes
- Placing the rolled energy balls in the fridge for about 30 minutes firms them up. This makes them easier to handle and enhances the texture.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Jaffa Energy Bites (Chocolate & Orange)
Two-Ingredient Tropical Energy Balls
If you make these No Bake Vegan Pistachio Baklava Energy Balls, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
No Bake Vegan Pistachio Baklava Energy Balls
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor
Ingredients
For the Energy Balls
- 1⅓ cups Medjool dates
- 1 cup raw walnuts
- 1⅓ cups roasted, salted pistachios de-shelled
For the Topping
- 2-3 tbsp agave nectar
- ½ cup roasted, salted pistachios crushed, de-shelled
Instructions
- Add all energy ball ingredients into a blender or food processor. Blend until a dough comes together, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
- Once a dough is ready, shape into 16 balls. If the dough is too sticky, use refined coconut oil (that doesn't smell like coconuts) or another neutral oil to lightly grease your hands before rolling.
- Shape into 16 equal sized balls. Drizzle the balls with agave nectar. Start with 2 tbsp and add another as needed.
- Roll the balls in the crushed pistachios.
- Place them in a single layer in a container lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate to harden, or eat at room temperature. Enjoy!
Notes
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Storage
- Store in an airtight container at in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
